Calculator Bug

[multifinder]

I might have found a really strange bug in the Calculator (OS X 10.2.2)--the paper tape seems to have rounding issues. I wonder if it's just my machine--I sent the bug report below to Apple in any case:

I found a strange bug in the calculator (OS X 10.2.2) where the paper tape shows a different result than the regular display. To reproduce:

* Start the Calculator, and click the "Paper Tape" button to show the paper tape.
* Then type 1028 - 350 + 16.93 and hit the equals key
* The display shows "694.93" as it should, but the paper tape shows this:

11/30/02
3:28:39 PM
------------
1028 -
350 +
16.93 =
694.9299999999999 ◊

It's kind of funny, but makes me hesitant to trust the Calculator....

 

[4409723]

Somebody else found a similar bug:

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11586&highlight=calculator

To see what they discussed...

 

[nixd2001]

Minor rounding oddities have been present with computers for years, if not decades. They're a pain, but understanding that they arise due to binary/decimal conversion oddities "helps" make them something to be casually observed rather than being frightening (IMHO).

 

[BenderBot1138]

Calculator Bug...

Yep, works just like you said... try putting in a new battery... worked like a charm for me